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Featured article.

Difference between revisions of "Aliens: Colonial Marines"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
(→‎GPU detection fix: Removed log numbers as these vary by user.)
(6 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
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{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|aliens-colonial-marines|45}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|aliens-colonial-marines|45}}
 
|taxonomy    =
 
|taxonomy    =
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase }}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase, DLC }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }}
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Multiplayer }}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }}
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | }}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Real-time }}
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | }}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | First-person }}
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | }}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Direct control }}
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | }}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | FPS }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports            | }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports            | }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles        | }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles        | }}
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | }}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | Sci-fi, Horror }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | Alien }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | Alien }}
 
|steam appid  = 49540
 
|steam appid  = 49540
Line 35: Line 35:
 
|hltb        = 382
 
|hltb        = 382
 
|strategywiki = Aliens: Colonial Marines
 
|strategywiki = Aliens: Colonial Marines
|mobygames    = aliens-colonial-marines
+
|mobygames    = 59738
 
|wikipedia    = Aliens: Colonial Marines
 
|wikipedia    = Aliens: Colonial Marines
 
|winehq      = 14945
 
|winehq      = 14945
Line 41: Line 41:
 
}}
 
}}
  
'''Key points'''
+
{{Introduction
{{ii}} Use [[#ACM Overhaul|ACM Overhaul]] to fix various issues with the game, AI, and balancing.
+
|introduction      =
 +
 
 +
|release history  =
 +
 
 +
|current state    = The game is notable for its gameplay issues; see [[#Essential improvements|Essential improvements]] for fixes.
 +
}}
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
 
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/49540/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
 
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/49540/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
{{mm}} [http://forums.gearboxsoftware.com/forumdisplay.php?f=181 Gearbox Software Forums - A:CM Technical Support]
 
 
{{mm}} [http://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/index.php?board=30.0 Forums at AvPGalaxy.net] non PC-specific.
 
{{mm}} [http://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/index.php?board=30.0 Forums at AvPGalaxy.net] non PC-specific.
  
Line 55: Line 59:
 
{{Availability/row| Steam | 49540 | Steam | | | Windows }}
 
{{Availability/row| Steam | 49540 | Steam | | | Windows }}
 
}}
 
}}
{{ii}} All versions require {{DRM|Steam}}.<ref>[https://www.pcgamesn.com/article/aliens-colonial-marines-support-directx11-and-steamworks Aliens: Colonial Marines to support DirectX11 and Steamworks | PCGamesN]</ref>
 
  
 +
==Monetization==
 
{{DLC|
 
{{DLC|
 
{{DLC/row| Bug Hunt DLC | | Windows }}
 
{{DLC/row| Bug Hunt DLC | | Windows }}
Line 69: Line 73:
  
 
==Essential improvements==
 
==Essential improvements==
===[http://aliensoverhaul.mattfiler.co.uk/ ACM Overhaul]===
+
===[https://www.moddb.com/mods/templargfxs-acm-overhaul ACM Overhaul]===
 
{{ii}} Comprehensive overhaul mod that fixes AI, balancing, textures, and more.
 
{{ii}} Comprehensive overhaul mod that fixes AI, balancing, textures, and more.
{{--}} ACM Overhaul does not contain all possible graphic corrections and corrections in aliens AI. If you want such fixes, download [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1926-aliens-colonial-marines-ultra-config/ this] file.
+
{{--}} ACM Overhaul does not contain all possible graphic corrections and corrections in aliens AI. If you want such fixes, download [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1926-aliens-colonial-marines-ultra-config/ this] file, and combine with [https://www.nexusmods.com/alienscolonialmarines/mods/4?tab=description TemplarGFX's ACM Overhaul Mod Crash Fix and Patrxgt Ultra Config Fix]
{{mm}} [http://aliensoverhaul.mattfiler.co.uk/?changelog Changelog]
 
  
 
===Skip intro videos===
 
===Skip intro videos===
{{Fixbox|description=Edit PecanEngine.ini|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=127541833|title=Steam Community :: Guide :: ACM custom settings.. (v1.11c)|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Method 1: Edit PecanEngine.ini|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=127541833|title=Steam Community :: Guide :: ACM custom settings.. (v1.11c)|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
# Edit <code>{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanEngine.ini</code>
+
# Edit {{file|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanEngine.ini}} with a text editor.
 
# Change each instance of <code>StartupMovies=</code> to <code>//StartupMovies=</code>
 
# Change each instance of <code>StartupMovies=</code> to <code>//StartupMovies=</code>
# Save your changes and close the file.
+
# Save the changes and close the file.
 +
'''Notes'''
 +
{{ii}} This method still leaves the legal screen.
 +
}}
  
Another method is to simply edit your shortcut target and add a space at the end of the path, followed by <code>-nomovie</code>. This has the advantage of also bypassing the legal screen as well. Note, however that this method will also skip the in-game intro movies.
+
{{Fixbox|description=Method 2: Run the game with the {{code|-nomovie}} [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line argument]].|ref=|fix=
 +
'''Notes'''
 +
{{ii}} This method skips the legal screen as well, but also the in-game intro movies.
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 87: Line 95:
 
{{mm}} The fix is also included in [[#ACM_Overhaul|ACM Overhaul]].
 
{{mm}} The fix is also included in [[#ACM_Overhaul|ACM Overhaul]].
 
{{Fixbox|description=Edit two spelling mistakes on a line in DefaultEngine.ini|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.moddb.com/mods/templargfxs-acm-overhaul/news/the-biggest-bug-in-the-game-is-just-one-letter-long#7025741|title=The biggest BUG in the game is just one letter long - TemplarGFX's ACM Overhaul mod for Aliens: Colonial Marines - Mod DB|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Edit two spelling mistakes on a line in DefaultEngine.ini|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.moddb.com/mods/templargfxs-acm-overhaul/news/the-biggest-bug-in-the-game-is-just-one-letter-long#7025741|title=The biggest BUG in the game is just one letter long - TemplarGFX's ACM Overhaul mod for Aliens: Colonial Marines - Mod DB|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
# Edit <code>{{P|game}}\PecanGame\Config\DefaultEngine.ini</code>
+
# Edit {{file|{{P|game}}\PecanGame\Config\DefaultEngine.ini}} with a text editor.
 
# Find <pre>ClassRemapping=PecanGAme.PecanSeqAct_AttachXenoToTether -> PecanGame.PecanSeqAct_AttachPawnToTeather</pre> and change it to <pre>ClassRemapping=PecanGame.PecanSeqAct_AttachXenoToTether -> PecanGame.PecanSeqAct_AttachPawnToTether</pre>
 
# Find <pre>ClassRemapping=PecanGAme.PecanSeqAct_AttachXenoToTether -> PecanGame.PecanSeqAct_AttachPawnToTeather</pre> and change it to <pre>ClassRemapping=PecanGame.PecanSeqAct_AttachXenoToTether -> PecanGame.PecanSeqAct_AttachPawnToTether</pre>
# Save your changes and close the file.
+
# Save the changes and close the file.
  
 
'''Notes'''
 
'''Notes'''
Line 172: Line 180:
 
{{Fixbox|description=Further manual FOV adjustment by editing FOVOffset|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Further manual FOV adjustment by editing FOVOffset|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}|fix=
 
{{ii}} Note: FOVOffset is not the FOV, but the offset from default value. See screenshots for details.
 
{{ii}} Note: FOVOffset is not the FOV, but the offset from default value. See screenshots for details.
# Open <code>{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanEngine.ini</code>
+
# Edit {{file|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanEngine.ini}} with a text editor.
# Locate line <code>FOVOffset=XX</code> in <code>[SystemSettings]</code> section and change XX to your desired value.
+
# Locate the line <code>FOVOffset=XX</code> in <code>[SystemSettings]</code> section and change XX to the desired value.
 +
# Save the changes.
 
}}
 
}}
 
<gallery widths=160px heights=100px>
 
<gallery widths=160px heights=100px>
Line 183: Line 192:
 
===[[Glossary:Frame rate (FPS)|High frame rate]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Frame rate (FPS)|High frame rate]]===
 
{{Fixbox|description=Disable frame rate smoothing|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Disable frame rate smoothing|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
# Open <code>{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanEngine.ini</code>
+
# Edit {{file|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanEngine.ini}} with a text editor.
 
# Locate line <code>bSmoothFrameRate</code> in <code>[Engine.Engine]</code> section and change <code>TRUE</code> to <code>FALSE</code>
 
# Locate line <code>bSmoothFrameRate</code> in <code>[Engine.Engine]</code> section and change <code>TRUE</code> to <code>FALSE</code>
 +
# Save the changes.
 
}}
 
}}
  
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{{Fixbox|description=Delete appcache folder|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/49540/discussions/0/846944689777796793/#c846944689777878332|title=Got Eror after Logos (app already running) :: Steam community discussions|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Delete appcache folder|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/49540/discussions/0/846944689777796793/#c846944689777878332|title=Got Eror after Logos (app already running) :: Steam community discussions|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
 
# Go to the Steam installation folder.
 
# Go to the Steam installation folder.
# Delete the <code>appcache</code> folder.
+
# Delete the {{folder|appcache}} folder.
 
# Restart Steam, game should update itself.
 
# Restart Steam, game should update itself.
 
}}
 
}}
Line 430: Line 440:
 
{{Fixbox|description=If that does not work, try changing also operating system language|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/49540/discussions/0/846944689783271889/#c846944689783730011|title="Failed to start game (app already running)" error after exiting the game :: Steam community discussions|date=May 2023}}</ref>}}
 
{{Fixbox|description=If that does not work, try changing also operating system language|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/49540/discussions/0/846944689783271889/#c846944689783730011|title="Failed to start game (app already running)" error after exiting the game :: Steam community discussions|date=May 2023}}</ref>}}
  
===Failed to start game (RU release doesn't work when English language is selected)===
+
===Failed to start game (Russian release does not work when English language is selected)===
 
{{ii}} This solution is probably applicable to other non-English releases.
 
{{ii}} This solution is probably applicable to other non-English releases.
 
{{ii}} The game crashes to desktop after trademark screen, shows one of the error messages from previous issues.
 
{{ii}} The game crashes to desktop after trademark screen, shows one of the error messages from previous issues.
  
{{Fixbox|description=Copy INT folders from Russian version|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://forums.gearboxsoftware.com/showthread.php?t=244044&page=3|title=Crash at starting Game - The Gearbox Software Forums|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Copy INT subfolders from Russian version into international version|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://forums.gearboxsoftware.com/showthread.php?t=244044&page=3|title=Crash at starting Game - The Gearbox Software Forums|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
# Set game language to Russian (within Steam select game Properties -> Language -> Русский(Russian))
+
# Set game language to Russian (within Steam, select game Properties -> Language -> Русский(Russian))
# Wait until the game download localization files.
+
# Wait until the game downloads localization files.
# Locate <code>{{p|game}}\PecanGame\Localization</code> and <code>{{p|game}}\Engine\Localization</code> folders and copy their contents somewhere safe (You need only INT subfolders, they contain different files, don't mix them up!).
+
# Locate {{folder|{{p|game}}\PecanGame\Localization}} and {{folder|{{p|game}}\Engine\Localization}} folders and copy their contents somewhere safe (only INT subfolders are needed, they contain different files).
# Set game language to English.
+
# Set the game language to English.
# Wait until the game chop it's legs off (it removes said INT folders needed for game to function).
+
# Wait until the game file changes complete (said INT folders will be removed).
# Copy both INT subfolders you saved earlier back to <code>{{p|game}}\PecanGame\Localization</code> and <code>{{p|game}}\Engine\Localization</code> accordingly.
+
# Copy both INT subfolders saved earlier back to {{folder|{{p|game}}\PecanGame\Localization}} and {{folder|{{p|game}}\Engine\Localization}} accordingly.
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Blue screen on AMD CPU===
 
===Blue screen on AMD CPU===
{{--}} There seems to be problem with game running on AMD FX processors where game crashes to BSOD or freezes system. Issue is similar to Borderlands 2 BSOD and fix also works with Aliens: Colonial Marines.
+
{{--}} There seems to be a problem with game running on AMD FX processors where game crashes to BSOD or freezes the system. The issue is similar to [[Borderlands 2]] BSOD and fix also works with Aliens: Colonial Marines.
  
 
{{Fixbox|description=Update BIOS|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/49540/discussions/0/846944689780685209/#c846944689790011771|title=Crash or Bluescreen on launch :: Steam community discussions|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Update BIOS|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/49540/discussions/0/846944689780685209/#c846944689790011771|title=Crash or Bluescreen on launch :: Steam community discussions|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
{{ii}} Addition information and links to motherboards websites can be found at [http://support.amd.com/us/kbarticles/Pages/STEAMGamesonAMDFXplatforms.aspx AMD knowledge base library].
+
{{ii}} Additional information can be found at [http://support.amd.com/us/kbarticles/Pages/STEAMGamesonAMDFXplatforms.aspx AMD knowledge base library].
{{ii}} Update procedure varies and can cause motherboard to malfunction when update is interrupted or applied incorrectly. Read carefully manual to your motherboard and instructions on screen when updating.
+
{{ii}} Update procedure varies and can cause motherboard to malfunction if the update is interrupted or applied incorrectly. Carefully read the documentation and on-screen instructions for the used motherboard before proceeding.
{{ii}} Information about Borderlands 2 BSOD issue can be found at [http://support.gearboxsoftware.com/entries/22254567-PC-Game-Crash-or-Blue-Screen-on-AMD-FX-Series-processors Gearbox Software Support] page.
+
{{ii}} Information about Borderlands 2 BSOD issue can be found at the [https://web.archive.org/web/20130216234504/https://support.gearboxsoftware.com/entries/22254567-PC-Game-Crash-or-Blue-Screen-on-AMD-FX-Series-processors Gearbox Software Support] page.
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 458: Line 468:
  
 
===Game Freezes / Crashes during Session===
 
===Game Freezes / Crashes during Session===
{{--}} Due a memory restriction (x86 build), the game is limited to work with a maximum of 2GB of VRAM. Try either:
+
{{--}} Due a memory restriction (x86 build), the game is limited to work with a maximum of 2 GB of VRAM. Try either:
  
{{Fixbox|description=Lower V-ram intensive graphics settings such as Resolution|ref=<ref name="crash-freeze fix">[https://steamcommunity.com/app/49540/discussions/0/846944689777168343/#c517142892053013709 Game keeps crashing? :: Aliens: Colonial Marines General Discussions]</ref>}}
+
{{Fixbox|description=Lower VRAM-intensive graphics settings such as resolution|ref=<ref name="crash-freeze fix">[https://steamcommunity.com/app/49540/discussions/0/846944689777168343/#c517142892053013709 Game keeps crashing? :: Aliens: Colonial Marines General Discussions]</ref>}}
  
 
{{Fixbox|description=Play in Full Window mode instead of Fullscreen|ref=<ref name="crash-freeze fix"/>}}
 
{{Fixbox|description=Play in Full Window mode instead of Fullscreen|ref=<ref name="crash-freeze fix"/>}}
  
 
===GPU detection fix===
 
===GPU detection fix===
{{--}} Game has problems with detecting some graphic adapters - mainly mobile GPUs and new graphics. Because of this, game can select wrong settings profile for your system.  
+
{{--}} The game has problems with detecting some graphic adapters - mainly mobile GPUs and new graphics. Because of this, game can select wrong settings profile for the system.  
  
 
{{Fixbox|description=1. Checking GPU detection|ref=<ref name=GPUfix>[https://steamcommunity.com/app/49540/discussions/0/846945579760601767/ GPU Detection Fix /Graphics boost :: Steam community discussions]</ref>|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=1. Checking GPU detection|ref=<ref name=GPUfix>[https://steamcommunity.com/app/49540/discussions/0/846945579760601767/ GPU Detection Fix /Graphics boost :: Steam community discussions]</ref>|fix=
# Open <code>{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Logs\Launch.log</code>.
+
# Open {{file|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Logs\Launch.log}} with a text editor.
# Locate line <code>[000X.XX] Log: Machine  detected compatibility level: Composite: X. CPU: Y. GPU: Z.</code> where X,Y and Z values are assigned grade of your system. Value of 5 is the highest grade for high end hardware.
+
# Locate line <code>[000X.XX] Log: Machine  detected compatibility level: Composite: X. CPU: Y. GPU: Z.</code> where X,Y and Z values are assigned grade of the system. Value of 5 is the highest grade for high end hardware.
* If you've got powerful hardware and you're not getting high enough grades, follow the guide in the next fixbox. Otherwise you don't need to change anything.
+
* If using a powerful hardware and grades are not high enough, follow the guide in the next fixbox. Otherwise, no changes are needed.
 
}}
 
}}
  
{{Fixbox|description=2. Adding your GPU to the hardware list|ref=<ref name=GPUfix/>|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=2. Adding the GPU to the hardware list|ref=<ref name=GPUfix/>|fix=
 
{{List|content=
 
{{List|content=
{{List/row|row=In file <code>Launch.log</code> locate these lines:
+
{{List/row|row=In {{file|Launch.log}}, locate these lines:
 
<pre>[000X.XX] Log: GPU stats:
 
<pre>[000X.XX] Log: GPU stats:
 
[000X.XX] Log: VendorID: 0000YYYY
 
[000X.XX] Log: VendorID: 0000YYYY
Line 482: Line 492:
 
[000X.XX] Log: DeviceName: <GPU name>
 
[000X.XX] Log: DeviceName: <GPU name>
 
</pre>}}
 
</pre>}}
{{List/row|row=Edit <code>{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanCompat.ini</code>}}
+
{{List/row|row=Edit {{file|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanCompat.ini}} with a text editor.}}
{{List/row|row=Locate section for your vendor - search for <code>VendorName=</code> value.}}
+
{{List/row|row=Locate section for the used vendor - search for <code>VendorName=</code> value.}}
{{List/row|row=Add line into your vendor section for your graphics adapter. Use information from <code>Launch.log</code> file like so: <code>0xYYYY=G,<GPU name></code>
+
{{List/row|row=Add line into the vendor section for the used graphics adapter. Use information from {{file|Launch.log}} file like so: <code>0xYYYY=G,<GPU name></code>
 
<pre>where:
 
<pre>where:
 
YYYY        -  last four digits from VendorID
 
YYYY        -  last four digits from VendorID
G          -  your desired hardware grade - 1 lowest, 5 highest
+
G          -  desired hardware grade - 1 lowest, 5 highest
 
<GPU name>  -  string from DeviceName</pre>}}
 
<GPU name>  -  string from DeviceName</pre>}}
  
Line 506: Line 516:
 
}}}}
 
}}}}
  
{{Fixbox|description=3. Additional graphic enhancement for high-end hardware|ref=<ref name=GPUfix/>|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=3. Additional graphic enhancements for high-end hardware|ref=<ref name=GPUfix/>|fix=
 
{{ii}} This step is optional. It will force maximum quality level of detail for grade 5 hardware.
 
{{ii}} This step is optional. It will force maximum quality level of detail for grade 5 hardware.
 
{{List|content=
 
{{List|content=
{{List/row|row=Edit <code>{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanCompat.ini</code>}}
+
{{List/row|row=Edit {{file|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanCompat.ini}} with a text editor.}}
{{List/row|row=In section <code>[AppCompatBucket5]</code> search for these lines:
+
{{List/row|row=In the <code>[AppCompatBucket5]</code> section, search for these lines:
 
<pre>TEXTUREGROUP_World=(LODBias=1)
 
<pre>TEXTUREGROUP_World=(LODBias=1)
 
TEXTUREGROUP_WorldNormalMap=(LODBias=1)
 
TEXTUREGROUP_WorldNormalMap=(LODBias=1)
 
TEXTUREGROUP_WorldSpecular=(LODBias=1)</pre>}}
 
TEXTUREGROUP_WorldSpecular=(LODBias=1)</pre>}}
{{List/row|row=Change ones to zeros and save the file. Additionally you can tweak some other options in this section.}}
+
{{List/row|row=Change ones to zeros and save the file. Tweaking other options in this section is optional.}}
 
}}}}
 
}}}}
  
Line 533: Line 543:
 
{{--}} The game can freeze during the first cutscene on some systems.
 
{{--}} The game can freeze during the first cutscene on some systems.
 
{{Fixbox|description=Disable SSAO and lower the graphics settings|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Radishface|date=2024-01-12|comment=Comment (optional)}}</ref>|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Disable SSAO and lower the graphics settings|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Radishface|date=2024-01-12|comment=Comment (optional)}}</ref>|fix=
{{ii}} After the cutscene has finished playing, you can return the graphics settings to their original values.
+
{{ii}} After the cutscene has finished playing, return the graphics settings to their original values.
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 561: Line 571:
 
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
|windows arm app        = unknown
+
|windows arm app        = false
 
|windows exe notes      =  
 
|windows exe notes      =  
 
|macos intel 32-bit app =  
 
|macos intel 32-bit app =  

Revision as of 09:59, 22 April 2024

Aliens: Colonial Marines
Aliens: Colonial Marines cover
Developers
Gearbox Software
Demiurge Studios
Nerve Software
TimeGate Studios
Publishers
Sega
Russia 1C-SoftClub
Engines
Unreal Engine 3
Release dates
Windows February 12, 2013
Reception
Metacritic 45
IGDB 45
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase, DLC
Modes Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives First-person
Controls Direct control
Genres FPS
Themes Sci-fi, Horror
Series Alien
Aliens: Colonial Marines on HowLongToBeat
Aliens: Colonial Marines on IGDB
Aliens: Colonial Marines guide on StrategyWiki
Aliens: Colonial Marines on MobyGames
Aliens: Colonial Marines on Wikipedia
Alien
Aliens: A Comic Book Adventure 1995
Alien Trilogy 1996
Aliens Online 1998
Aliens versus Predator (series)
Aliens: Colonial Marines 2013
Alien: Isolation 2014
Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2021
Aliens: Dark Descent 2023

Aliens: Colonial Marines is a singleplayer and multiplayer first-person FPS game in the Alien series.

The game is notable for its gameplay issues; see Essential improvements for fixes.

General information

Steam Community Discussions
Forums at AvPGalaxy.net non PC-specific.

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Humble Store
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Steam
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Windows

Monetization

DLC and expansion packs

Name Notes
Bug Hunt DLC
Windows
Reconnaissanse DLC
Windows
Movie Map Pack
Windows
Stasis Interrupted
Windows
Limited Edition Pack
Windows
Collector's Edition Pack
Windows
SHARP Sticks
Windows
Sawed-off Double Barrel Shotgun
Windows

Essential improvements

ACM Overhaul

Comprehensive overhaul mod that fixes AI, balancing, textures, and more.
ACM Overhaul does not contain all possible graphic corrections and corrections in aliens AI. If you want such fixes, download this file, and combine with TemplarGFX's ACM Overhaul Mod Crash Fix and Patrxgt Ultra Config Fix

Skip intro videos

Method 1: Edit PecanEngine.ini[1]
  1. Edit %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanEngine.ini with a text editor.
  2. Change each instance of StartupMovies= to //StartupMovies=
  3. Save the changes and close the file.

Notes

This method still leaves the legal screen.
Method 2: Run the game with the -nomovie command line argument.

Notes

This method skips the legal screen as well, but also the in-game intro movies.

Improved Xenomorph AI

This results in improved wall and ceiling climbing for the xenomorphs.
The fix is also included in ACM Overhaul.
Edit two spelling mistakes on a line in DefaultEngine.ini[2]
  1. Edit <path-to-game>\PecanGame\Config\DefaultEngine.ini with a text editor.
  2. Find
    ClassRemapping=PecanGAme.PecanSeqAct_AttachXenoToTether -> PecanGame.PecanSeqAct_AttachPawnToTeather
    and change it to
    ClassRemapping=PecanGame.PecanSeqAct_AttachXenoToTether -> PecanGame.PecanSeqAct_AttachPawnToTether
  3. Save the changes and close the file.

Notes

The config line includes two spelling mistakes that the above fixes:
  • PecanGAme instead of PecanGame
  • AttachPawnToTeather instead of AttachPawnToTether

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/49540/pfx/[Note 1]

Save game data location

System Location
Windows <Steam-folder>\userdata\<user-id>\49540\
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/49540/pfx/[Note 1]

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
Steam Cloud
Save file and key bindings.

Video

Video settings.
Video settings.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
Multi-monitor
See the WSGF entry.
Ultra-widescreen
Image is Vert-. FOV can be increased to compensate. For a conversion from 16:9 to 21:9, increasing the FOV slider by 3 notches gives the closest approximation of a 1:1 Hor+ increase. See the WSGF entry.
4K Ultra HD
Field of view (FOV)
Slider in menu. For additional values, see Field of view (FOV).
Windowed
Borderless fullscreen windowed
Is called 'Full Window' in window mode settings.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
Referred to as "Texture Detail" in Video settings.
Anti-aliasing (AA)
Only features FXAA. Forcing other AA can lead to problems.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
60 FPS
120+ FPS
Capped at 62 FPS. See High frame rate.
High dynamic range display (HDR)
See the glossary page for potential alternatives.

Field of view (FOV)

A slider is included, but no specific values are viewable.
Further manual FOV adjustment by editing FOVOffset[citation needed]
Note: FOVOffset is not the FOV, but the offset from default value. See screenshots for details.
  1. Edit %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanEngine.ini with a text editor.
  2. Locate the line FOVOffset=XX in [SystemSettings] section and change XX to the desired value.
  3. Save the changes.

High frame rate

Disable frame rate smoothing[citation needed]
  1. Edit %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanEngine.ini with a text editor.
  2. Locate line bSmoothFrameRate in [Engine.Engine] section and change TRUE to FALSE
  3. Save the changes.

Input

Controls settings.
Controls settings.

Support for Logitech G15 keyboard display. Shows current objective or challenge.

Audio

Audio settings.
Audio settings.

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Surround sound
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
Royalty free audio

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
RU version may need a workaround to play in English.
French
German
Hungarian
Fan translation.
Italian
Polish
Russian
Only available in Russia.
Spanish

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
Local play
4 Use Nucleus Co-op.
LAN play
Multiplayer requires creating an online lobby. If a connection to Steam is lost, players will be disconnected from host.
Online play
10 Versus, Co-op
Co-op supports 4 players.

Connection types

VR support

3D modes State Notes
Nvidia 3D Vision
Use Helix Mod: Aliens Colonial Marines - 3D Vision fix.
vorpX
G3D, DirectVR
Officially supported game, see official vorpx game list

Issues fixed

Failed to start game (app already running) error

There is no universal fix, however these are confirmed to work for some users.
Delete appcache folder[3]
  1. Go to the Steam installation folder.
  2. Delete the appcache folder.
  3. Restart Steam, game should update itself.
Set Steam language to the same language as the game[4]
If that does not work, try changing also operating system language[5]

Failed to start game (Russian release does not work when English language is selected)

This solution is probably applicable to other non-English releases.
The game crashes to desktop after trademark screen, shows one of the error messages from previous issues.
Copy INT subfolders from Russian version into international version[6]
  1. Set game language to Russian (within Steam, select game Properties -> Language -> Русский(Russian))
  2. Wait until the game downloads localization files.
  3. Locate <path-to-game>\PecanGame\Localization and <path-to-game>\Engine\Localization folders and copy their contents somewhere safe (only INT subfolders are needed, they contain different files).
  4. Set the game language to English.
  5. Wait until the game file changes complete (said INT folders will be removed).
  6. Copy both INT subfolders saved earlier back to <path-to-game>\PecanGame\Localization and <path-to-game>\Engine\Localization accordingly.

Blue screen on AMD CPU

There seems to be a problem with game running on AMD FX processors where game crashes to BSOD or freezes the system. The issue is similar to Borderlands 2 BSOD and fix also works with Aliens: Colonial Marines.
Update BIOS[7]
Additional information can be found at AMD knowledge base library.
Update procedure varies and can cause motherboard to malfunction if the update is interrupted or applied incorrectly. Carefully read the documentation and on-screen instructions for the used motherboard before proceeding.
Information about Borderlands 2 BSOD issue can be found at the Gearbox Software Support page.

No textures

Forcing anti-aliasing via drivers on Nvidia GeForce cards will result in missing textures and black game scene.
Disable anti-aliasing in graphics adapter[8]

Game Freezes / Crashes during Session

Due a memory restriction (x86 build), the game is limited to work with a maximum of 2 GB of VRAM. Try either:
Lower VRAM-intensive graphics settings such as resolution[9]
Play in Full Window mode instead of Fullscreen[9]

GPU detection fix

The game has problems with detecting some graphic adapters - mainly mobile GPUs and new graphics. Because of this, game can select wrong settings profile for the system.
1. Checking GPU detection[10]
  1. Open %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Logs\Launch.log with a text editor.
  2. Locate line [000X.XX] Log: Machine detected compatibility level: Composite: X. CPU: Y. GPU: Z. where X,Y and Z values are assigned grade of the system. Value of 5 is the highest grade for high end hardware.
  • If using a powerful hardware and grades are not high enough, follow the guide in the next fixbox. Otherwise, no changes are needed.
2. Adding the GPU to the hardware list[10]
  1. In Launch.log, locate these lines:
    [000X.XX] Log: GPU stats:
    [000X.XX] Log: 	VendorID: 0000YYYY
    [000X.XX] Log: 	DeviceID: 0000XXXX
    [000X.XX] Log: 	DriverVersion: <numbers>
    [000X.XX] Log: 	DeviceName: <GPU name>
    
  2. Edit %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanCompat.ini with a text editor.
  3. Locate section for the used vendor - search for VendorName= value.
  4. Add line into the vendor section for the used graphics adapter. Use information from Launch.log file like so: 0xYYYY=G,<GPU name>
    where:
    YYYY        -  last four digits from VendorID
    G           -  desired hardware grade - 1 lowest, 5 highest
    <GPU name>  -  string from DeviceName
    • Example 1:
    [000X.XX] Log: GPU stats:
    [000X.XX] Log: DeviceID: 00001244 
    [000X.XX] Log: DeviceName: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 550 Ti

    will result in 0x1244=5,NVIDIA GeForce GTX 550 Ti

    • Example 2:
    [000X.XX] Log: GPU stats:
    [000X.XX] Log: 	VendorID: 00001002
    [000X.XX] Log: 	DeviceID: 00006738
    [000X.XX] Log: 	DriverVersion: 8.17.10.1169
    [000X.XX] Log: 	DeviceName: AMD Radeon HD 6800 Series
    will result in 0x6738=5,AMD Radeon HD 6800 Series
3. Additional graphic enhancements for high-end hardware[10]
This step is optional. It will force maximum quality level of detail for grade 5 hardware.
  1. Edit %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanCompat.ini with a text editor.
  2. In the [AppCompatBucket5] section, search for these lines:
    TEXTUREGROUP_World=(LODBias=1)
    TEXTUREGROUP_WorldNormalMap=(LODBias=1)
    TEXTUREGROUP_WorldSpecular=(LODBias=1)
  3. Change ones to zeros and save the file. Tweaking other options in this section is optional.

No weapon

Switch between weapons[11]

Unresponsive controls

Problem with controls where in-game camera is always rotating and in menu cursor is always moving down. Demonstrated here.
Unplug all USB game controllers, alternatively disable them in Device manager[12]
.ini edit[12]
  1. Open %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanEngine.ini
  2. Locate line AllowJoystickInput=1 in [WinDrv.WindowsClient] section and change 1 to 0.

Crash upon starting the "Stasis Interrupted" DLC

The game can freeze during the first cutscene on some systems.
Disable SSAO and lower the graphics settings[13]
After the cutscene has finished playing, return the graphics settings to their original values.

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 9
Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Physics PhysX 2.8.4.6
Audio OpenAL, XAudio2
Cutscenes Bink Video 1.99p

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) XP SP3
Processor (CPU) Intel Dual Core 2 GHz
System memory (RAM) 2 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 20 GB
Video card (GPU) ATI Radeon HD 2600
Nvidia GeForce 8500
256 MB of VRAM
Although developer recommends 20 GB of free space, download size is around 6 GB. With all DLC available the download size is 14 GB.


Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:

References